Too much cricket being played: Younis Khan

Pakistan captain Younis Khan today advocated the need of a brief break in international cricket calender before important ICC tournaments like Champions Trophy or World Cup.

A bit surprised with the packed international calender just before the eight-nation tournament begins in South Africa in September 22, Younis said the International Cricket Council and member boards should sit together and amend the fixture to give the cricketers some rest before a big event.

"I just feel that perhaps ICC and its member boards can sit down and work out a way to have a break in international cricket activities just before the start of a ICC event like the World Cup or Champions Trophy," Younis said during an interview.

"Too much cricket before major events only adds to the pressure on the players and also tends to dilute the growing anticipation of people before a big tournament. Maybe at least before a big tournament a complete break of eight to 10 days would not be a bad idea," he added.

India, Sri Lanka and New Zealand completed a tri-series in Sri Lanka on Monday while England and Australia will wind up a seven-match ODI series on September 20 - just two days before the Champions Trophy commences.

"I get the feeling that there is too much cricket being played internationally these days. It is leading to reduction of quality in players and standard which is not good for the sport. It also tends to add a lot of workload on the players and the pressure increases on them to perform all the time," Younis said.

Younis also felt that one of the main reasons for having so much international cricket was because of the television coverage and money involved in the proceedings.

"In some series, particularly involving India, boards tend to make a lot of money and players also get paid well.

This perhaps influences them to have a packed calendar," he said.

However, the cricketer said he had personally no issue with playing but added that the overall impact of so much cricket on the players fitness can't be ignored totally.

"I think that we are professionals and are supposed to perform. But at times it get a big unfair on us and I think a small break between series is a good idea," he said.

Younis also brushed aside the concerns that Pakistan's lack of international exposure compared to other teams could affect their performance in the Champions Trophy.

Pakistan's last international encounter was a Twenty20 against Sri Lanka on August 11 in Colombo.

"We also didn't play much cricket before the T20 World Cup in England but we did well. So it is just a matter of adjusting and performing like professionals," Younis said.

He also added that Pakistan would do its best against India in the upcoming Champions Trophy but in case of a defeat, pleaded that the country accept the result sportingly and not suspect the intentions of the players.

"It really hurts us when people start to suspect our intentions. When false allegations are made while we are playing in a foreign land. It is disturbing for the team," Younus told reporters at National stadium.

The Pakistan skipper said the players were still rattled by the allegations of match fixing that surfaced during the team's recent tour to Sri Lanka.

Younus said there was no doubt that India had a strong batting line-up and their strength had historically been to successfully chase down big targets.

"But as captain, I want to change this trend. I want our team to chase a target against India and win against India in an ICC event. I would like to be known as the captain who changed history," he said.

Pakistan plays its opening match against the West Indies on September 23.

Younus said he would love to win the Champions Trophy for late coach Bob Woolmer.

"His family is in South Africa and if we win the Champions Trophy I will definitely go with the team to his home and share our moments with his family. It would be a fitting tribute to Bob," Younus said.

Meanwhile, confident that the conditions in South Africa will favour Pakistan, senior batsman Misbah-ul Haq today said his team is all geared up to clinch the Champions Trophy, a title which has so far eluded it.

"I believe the conditions in South Africa will favor us and I believe we have the combination to win the tournament," Misbah told reporters during a training session at the National stadium.

"Because the conditions in South Africa are good for us we are confident of doing well in the tournament this time.

The fact that we have never won the Champions Trophy is also at the back of the minds of the players who want to do well and win the competition this time," Misbah said.

The stylish batsman, who was replaced as vice captain by Shahid Afridi for the Champions trophy scheduled September from 22, said Pakistan has developed a winning combination.

"At this level you can only remain in the team if you perform. They are no favors given or asked for. Whether you are a senior player or junior player there is always pressure on you to perform," Misbah added.

Misbah also praised the contribution of former captain and batting consultant Javed Miandad.

"Miandad is a very experienced and sharp cricketer and his tips have been very helpful to us in the camp. He has given us tips on how to come out of a pressure situation and how to handle pressure which is very important for any batsman," he stated.